(North Fork American River {N.Fk.Am.R.})
Hike # 1 (For Foresthill Trailhead, see Hike #10)
Directions to trailhead: Follow I80 to the Emigrant Gap exit (22.5 miles east of Colfax) and head west on Emigrant Gap Rd. In approximately 1.2 miles it will become Forest Road (FR) 19. Stay on FR 19 approximately 9.6 miles, going past North Fork Campground and Tunnel Mills Campground. At the end of the paved road, turn right onto FR 19-16 and drive 4.3 miles (at 0.2 miles keep left). Keep to the left at the “Y” and drive 0.5 miles to the green gate on the left. Park here and walk pass the gate to Government Springs and the signed trailhead.
Trailhead UTM: 10 S 07 04 126 43 42 918
Topographic Map: Westville 7.5’ and Duncan Peak 7.5’
Elevation: 5282’ to 2628’ (3127’ total elevation gain)
Distance: 4.6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Jurisdiction: Tahoe National Forest
Trail description: This trail was justly awarded National Heritage status in year 2000 for historic and scenic qualities. It leads from near Governments Springs on Sawtooth Ridge to the N.Fk.Am.R. In the summer months you can ford the river and continue up to the Foresthill Divide (See Mumford Bar-Foresthill Hike #10) or to John Mumford’s cabin, built in 1868 (now in a condition of “arrested decay”). Enormous Douglas fir, sugar pine, Ponderosa pine, black oak, and incense cedar are found in the area. Dogwood blooms in the spring. There are a few accessible swimming holes and riverbank picnic sites upstream.
Campsites: Several campsites are available on both sides of the river.
Get Off Your Gass 